Help grieving Richard's Royals dream come true

Eight-year-old Richard Murray was devastated when his mum Jackie died suddenly at just 41.

The tragedy was a double blow because he had already lost his friends and schoolmates, after moving miles away.

Now kind-hearted former neighbour, Heather Goodall, has come up with a plan to cheer him up – and needs the help of some generous people.

She says the one thing that would mean the world to him is if he could be a Royals’ mascot and join his heroes on the pitch at Madejski Stadium.

But grief-stricken Richard needs a Reading strip and £250 if he wants to join his favourite players, Marcus Hahnemann and Dave Kitson, on the field.

Mrs Goodall has managed to raise the £50 for the kit and is keeping it for him, ready for the big day.

But she cannot afford the £250 required to get him on the mascot waiting list and is hoping a generous individual or company will help out.

Mrs Goodall, 57, who has known Richard since he was a baby, said: “Nothing will bring his mum back but I want to make his life a little bit happier. He is a smashing little boy, he is brilliant. He does not ask for anything.”

For full story and details of how you can help, see today's Evening Post